Precious in the Sight of God – Part I

Like two towering landmarks stand the institutions of the family and the Sabbath in the first two chapters of Genesis. Though they have been around for thousands of years, they are very much relevant and important for the proper functioning of societies in today’s world. Unfortunately, while the family is generally regarded as binding universally, there are many in Christendom who do not hold the same view about the institution of the Sabbath. Nonetheless, these two establishments are God’s gifts to humanity. However, for the purpose of this article, I refer to the family, its worth, and its need to be more greatly embraced for a more stable society; for the saying is so true: “As the family goes, so go the nation and the world.”Of Inestimable WorthThe Bible is replete with statements declaring God’s precious and tender regard for marriage, the home, and family inclusive of each member whether young or old. The well-known song says, “All are precious in His sight.” More so, in the first book of the Bible, God states, “Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV). This verse speaks to identity, time, value, and responsibility. Each person has a beginning and a significant value given by the Master Designer, God Himself. That fact ought to engender a sense of belonging and feelings of true specialness. You and I are not after-thought beings; instead, according to the Psalmist, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NKJV).If that were insufficient to ignite one’s sense of value, identity and worth, consider John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV). And I cannot bypass Jeremiah 31:3 which expresses God’s special love for us: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you” (NKJV). In addition to the aforementioned, the Apostle Paul explained in his letter to the Ephesians that a husband ought to love his wife as Christ loved the church, and a woman ought to submit to her husband “as unto the Lord.” To Be Continued next week with part II